Manchester United manager David Moyes has declined to comment on ongoing speculation surrounding the potential signing of Thiago Alcantara, saying only that he will “inform the supporters as much as I can”.

Barcelona midfielder Thiago has been strongly linked with United in recent weeks and months, ever since it emerged that a clause in his contract could allow him to move clubs this summer for as little as £17 million.

Speaking at his first press conference as United manager on Friday, Moyes refused to comment on transfer targets – admitting only that United would always be interested in signing the best possible players.

And the Scot reiterated that stance in a subsequent interview with the club’s in-house television channel, although he did acknowledge that he was looking to be active in the transfer market.

“Manchester United will always be close to the best players,” Moyes told MUTV. “I will inform the supporters as much as I can.

“Some things are confidential but I am doing everything I possibly can to strengthen the current English champions.”

Thiago’s contract clause is believed to be time-sensitive, but Moyes is unsure whether he will be able to make any additions before the club’s forthcoming tour of the Far East.

“I’ll try to bring in some players before the tour, but I couldn’t turn round and say yes to that,” he said. “I’ll try if possible. Time’s closing in a little bit just now.

“The way the transfer window works, I think things might be done a little bit later in some cases this year.

“There are quite a few new managers in. I don’t think everything will be done right away. But if you had the ideal position, you’d get your players in as soon as you could.”